Franco-Chinese War.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 262, 16 October 1884, Page 2

Franco-Chinese War.

The operations of the French squadron under Admiral Lespcs before Keelung,” the Times observes, ‘ are wrapped in some mystery, and our most recent knowledge of that place, when the fortifications were insignificant, and where quite lately there were no Krupp guns at all, does not help us to arrive at the truth. One thing alone is certain, which is that Keelung does not possess any great importance. According to a report from Mr. Hancock, of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service in North Formosa, Keelung, as a harbor, had been practically abandoned in favour of Tamsui on the western side, and that opposite to Keelung, of the northern headland of Formosa. A short distance inland from both of these places commence the mountains, which are still held by the aboriginal tribes. The Chinese immigrants, principally from the province of Fuhkien, have gradually cultivated up to the very foot of these mountains, and are steadily driving the natives back into their recesses. These mountains are covered with thick woods, principally consisting of the camphor tree, which is much coveted by the Chinese. Intercourse is carried on between the Chinese and the aborigines by means of ‘ go-betweens,’ who live on Chinese territory, but are generally of Native descent. No one is allowed to enter these forests without the safe-conduct, of a chief, and the complete absence of all Chinese authority over them is shown by one of their customs. A young man is considered lo be of very little account until he has slain a Chinaman, and when he has accomplished that feat he is permitted to make certain tattoo marks on his person which’ are held in great honor. In taking Keelung the French will make the acquaintance of these singular and pleasant neighbors. As a material guarantee for the payment of an indemnity by China, the occupation of Keelung can produce very little effect at Pekin. On the other hand, if the French wish to add Formosa to Tonquin, it might easily prove the first step to the conquest of that island.”